Hawaii has beautiful beaches. When I go to the beach, I want to see water, sand and mountain cliffs—preferably squished-closely together. Hawaii doesn't disappoint in this regard. But, as I've gotten older, I have grown more wary of too much sun exposure. Now I bring along my father's beach umbrella. And I spend no more than 90 minutes at the beach. I prefer to go every day, for short visits. And I always go home with an enviable tan (and no burn).
Here are some of my favorite Kauai beaches.
North of Kapaa, where my family lives, is a secluded, remote beach called Donkey Beach. Apparently, it is the area where the sugar plantations once housed their donkeys. Getting to the beach involves a short, rocky hike. The water is rough. And the beach has no facilities or amenities. So it remains desolate of visitors. Sometimes we might be the only two on the beach. Occasionally we see another intrepid couple walking along the sand, otherwise unadulterated by footsteps. It is a wonderful experience to have a whole beach to oneself. It's perfect for our short visit, as long as we are content with splashing in the foam. (It's too rough and deserted for safe swimming.)
Ke'e Beach is a gem at the end of the road in Hanalei. It has perfect, gentle water for swimming or snorkeling. And perfect, rocky cliffs form the backdrop. Because of its location at the end of the road, it can only accommodate a limited number of visitors each day. One must arrange a "reservation" in advance (which can be done on-line). This system is a rarity for a Hawaiian beach—where free, public access to the water is a fiercely-defended right. But a few hours at Ke'e Beach is worth the trouble and foresight required to secure the permit to visit (which includes parking, which was once a nightmare at this locale).
Another favorite swim spot is Shipwrecks Beach in Poipu. It is a mixture of tourists sunning themselves and local boys (mostly) surfing. Brave swimmers jump off the cliff into the water below. (I'm not sure if it is advised or even legal.) It is in Poipu, on the Southern coast of Kauai—the "leeward" side of the island which is the most reliably dry and sunny. Shipwrecks Beach is located adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Hotel, in which we will spend the next couple of (blissful) days.
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